Synapse Manufacturing

As an Electronics Manufacturing Test Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in the development, implementation, and ongoing support of test solutions across our electronic manufacturing processes. Leveraging your expertise in electronics engineering and product development, you will lead the design and build of test fixtures, drive comprehensive test development for electronic circuit board production, and ensure all test solutions remain operational and effective throughout their lifecycle — all while adhering to Lean methodologies and ISO 9001:2015 standards.

Essential Job Functions:

• Develop and implement comprehensive test strategies, procedures, and test programs for electronic assemblies, ensuring robust coverage across all stages of the production lifecycle.
• Design, build, and qualify test fixtures and associated hardware to facilitate accurate and efficient testing of Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs) and electronic systems.
• Maintain and continuously improve existing test solutions, ensuring test equipment and fixtures remain operational, calibrated, and effective in a dynamic production environment.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Design Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance teams to seamlessly integrate test solutions into the production environment, ensuring alignment with ISO 9001:2015 standards.
• Support manufacturing with failure analysis, tester debugging, and reduction of intermittent failures and downtime to maximize test equipment availability and throughput.
• Conduct detailed analysis of test data and failure modes, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Utilize Lean methodologies to identify and eliminate waste, reduce test cycle times, and improve overall manufacturing efficiency.
• Review circuit board designs for testability requirements, providing early-stage input to improve test access, coverage, and fixture compatibility.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements in test technologies, recommending innovative solutions to enhance test capability and manufacturing efficiency.

Requirements

Education:BS or MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field.

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal, analytical, organizational, and follow-up skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across Design Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance teams.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written), with the ability to clearly document test procedures, fixture specifications, and failure analysis findings.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to prioritize and meet deadlines across multiple concurrent test development and fixture build projects.
• Excellent attention to detail, particularly in test program development, fixture assembly, and validation of test coverage and results.
• Solid knowledge in electronics, mechanics, and software development, with hands-on experience in test fixture design, PCB test methodologies, and test automation.
• Analytical thinking and application of problem-solving strategies, with a focus on failure mode analysis, root cause identification, and corrective action implementation.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical documentation including schematics, mechanical drawings, and test specifications to develop effective and maintainable test solutions.

Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in electronic product development and volume manufacturing, with direct involvement in test solution development and production support.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience as a Test Engineer, with a proven track record of designing, building, and maintaining test fixtures and systems for PCBAs and electronic assemblies.
• 3+ years of experience in C# or similar code development for test program development, test automation, and fixture control software.
• In-depth understanding of SMT board level testing or system-in-package testing, including test coverage analysis and testability review of circuit board designs.
• Demonstrated experience building, qualifying, and sustaining test fixtures and hardware in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in ISO 9001:2015 standards, with experience maintaining compliance within a test engineering function.
• Knowledge of Lean methodologies and their practical application in reducing test cycle times, minimizing downtime, and improving manufacturing efficiency.
• Experience supporting manufacturing through failure analysis, tester debugging, and resolution of intermittent failures to maximize test equipment availability.
• Familiarity with test automation frameworks and methodologies to enable comprehensive test coverage and repeatable test execution.
• Experience with domestic and/or international consumer electronics vendors, with an understanding of supply chain impacts on test and manufacturing processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with In-Circuit Testing (ICT), Functional Test (FCT), or Boundary Scan (JTAG) methodologies.
• Hands-on experience with test fixture design tools and mechanical CAD software for fixture build and documentation.
• Experience with National Instruments (NI) hardware and software platforms, including LabVIEW or TestStand for test program development and automation.
• Familiarity with automated optical inspection (AOI) or X-ray inspection systems in a PCB assembly environment.
• Working knowledge of version control systems (e.g., Git) for managing test software and configuration files.
• Experience with data acquisition systems and statistical process control (SPC) tools for monitoring test yields and identifying production trends.
• Familiarity with IPC standards (IPC-A-610) relevant to PCB assembly and test acceptance criteria.
• Experience working within an ERP or MES system to manage test data, traceability, and production records.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Lean certification is a plus.

You should be proficient in:

• automated optical inspection (AOI)
• Boundary Scan (JTAG)
• Functional Test (FCT)
• In-Circuit Testing (ICT)
• National Instruments (NI) hardware and software platforms
• X-ray inspection systems in a PCB assembly environment
• IPC standards (IPC-A-610)

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• SMT Machine